John Philip Sousa (November 6, 1854 – March 6, 1932) was an iconic American composer and conductor known as the “March King”. He is best remembered for his patriotic compositions, which remain popular today. Born in Washington, D.C., Sousa was the son of a trombonist in the United States Marine Band. As a young boy, Sousa showed a musical talent and at age 13 was accepted into the Marine Band as an apprentice. He rose through the ranks of the band, eventually becoming its leader and conductor in 1880. Over the next two decades he composed and arrange over one hundred works for the Marine Band, with a style that eventually became synonymous with patriotic music and military music. Sousa is also known for his work outside the Marine Band. An accomplished composer, Sousa wrote well over 130 marches, the most famous being “The Stars and Stripes Forever” which remains the official march of the United oStates. He composed several operettas as well- most successful being “The 1903 Crusader”. He wrote the song “Semper Fidelis” which is the official march of the United States Marine Corps and, due to its use at the opening of the 1984 Olympics, “The Liberty Bell” march is also incredibly well-known. A man of great influence and accomplishment in American musical history, John Philip Sousa passed away on March 6, 1932, aged 77.